Jenni Rivera Movie News Update: Alicia Machado Confirms She Will Play Jenni Rivera; Filming To Begin in August

Alicia Macahdo confirmed that she would play the role of Jenni Rivera.

The former Miss Universe told Elenco.com that she was getting ready to play La Diva de La Banda and that the film's production would begin in August. She stated that she will travel to Los Angeles in July to take some acting classes in order to prepare for the role. She added that she had already spoken to the Rivera family and to Jenni's sister Rosie and brother Lupillo.

Machado added that she needed to regain the weight she had lost after "Mira Quien Baila." When asked what her relationship with Rivera was, Machado stated that they admired each other. She said that Rivera, like Machado, was a single mom who struggled a lot. Machado added that they had a great relationship and she was very sad when she heard the news of her accident.

Machado also had a chance to speak about her new telenovela "La Madame" in which she will play a prostitute. She said her character was a little bit of everything but was very evil. She added that she was having fun and loving every moment of the project.

Ever since January, rumors about the biopic have surfaced in the media. Aside from Machado, Angelica Vale and Jennifer Lopez were rumored for the role. Vale immediately denied the rumors and said she was never approached by the family.

Additionally, the movie was also speculated to be produced by Jennifer Lopez. The Singer/Actress stated that she believed that Rivera's life should be given a Hollywood treatment like Selena. Rivera's sister Rosie also confirmed that she had met with Lopez about the project and stated that Nuyorican productions would produce and finance. However, Lopez later denied any involvement.

Machado was last seen in "Mira Quien Baila" and "Un Familia Con Suerte." The Rivera Biopic is slated to start production in a few months and the Rivera family plan on producing the film.